tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10378966.post8253703854809728073..comments2023-10-10T05:20:11.192-04:00Comments on Elementary, My Dear, or Far From It: Stress TestsJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04725549451973770515noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10378966.post-60193554857803536312011-11-12T01:59:04.622-05:002011-11-12T01:59:04.622-05:00My daughter too has suffered from, and continues t...My daughter too has suffered from, and continues to suffer from, anxiety. The way we handled her testing was to offer to take her out for a special treat afterwards if she would do it. I told her it didn't matter to me how she did on the test, just that she would take it. Then, when she completed it I told her how proud I was of her that she did it, even though I knew it was hard for her. <br /><br />I think young people today feel being brave or courageous is not being afraid or anxious. Instead, the opposite is the case. I tell them true courage is what one does when anxious or afraid. You are also wise to give her an opportunity to mature. She may need one more year, but she may surprise you and be courageous now.Faithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04970938422057410811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10378966.post-29681221233803807962011-11-06T09:52:35.091-05:002011-11-06T09:52:35.091-05:00doyle, as always your comments and thoughts are so...doyle, as always your comments and thoughts are so greatly appreciated. We've been talking more about this throughout the weekend and (I hope) we are both feeling better as time goes on.<br /><br />Jason, I can opt her out, at least for now. I'm not sure that is true once she hits high school. I hesitate because I fear this is something she will have to come to grips with at some point. But I will opt her out if she seems to be suffering from anxiety.<br /><br />jwg, I hadn't thought about that book at all. Thanks for the suggestion. I am grateful that I have the choice to opt her out if we decide that is the best way to go.<br /><br />Sarah, thanks for the encouragement. I hate the uncertainty about every decision we make as parents.<br /><br />This morning she and I spent some time looking at last year's end of year SOL test for 3rd graders (for math so far) and she was able to answer most of the questions pretty easily. I'm hoping that when she feels that she knows what to expect she will feel more confident.Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04725549451973770515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10378966.post-85384682659651660602011-11-06T08:02:35.756-05:002011-11-06T08:02:35.756-05:00I think you did the right thing! I hope she can ov...I think you did the right thing! I hope she can overcome her anxiety!!!!Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10251616457906473735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10378966.post-41395372553760268652011-11-05T04:03:46.342-04:002011-11-05T04:03:46.342-04:00Run to the nearest bookstore and buy her "Tes...Run to the nearest bookstore and buy her "Testing Miss Malarkey." Read it often. And be honest with her. Opting out is not an option around here so humor is the next best approach.jwghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03848946240656789799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10378966.post-29267115196582408132011-11-04T23:05:11.040-04:002011-11-04T23:05:11.040-04:00I don't know what your rules are, but in Calif...I don't know what your rules are, but in California parents can opt out of state testing. Might be something to look into. You're in VA right? All I could find was this: http://unitedoptout.com/?page_id=103<br /><br />Looks like you "can" but not as easily as in California. Might be something to consider though.<br /><br />And yes, even though Abigail is only in Kindergarten, I have this fully researched and ready for when she hits 2nd grade and CA STAR testing starts.Jason Buellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03029995715142652159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10378966.post-48243831013639063422011-11-04T21:46:51.691-04:002011-11-04T21:46:51.691-04:00Dear Jen,
3rd grade is a biggie.
I'm way out...Dear Jen,<br /><br />3rd grade is a biggie.<br /><br />I'm way out of line here, but I'd bet she'd be more receptive to you telling the truth than you might realize. Tell her exactly what you think.<br /><br />If it makes her giggle and relax, ready to fill in bubbles, well, let her go make her school proud.<br /><br />If it contributes to her anxiety (but possibly will make adolescence that much less stressful between the two of you), well, pull her out of the testing.<br /><br />You're her mother. You're fierce in the finest sense of the word.<br /><br />You know what to do.doylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12901661320505882735noreply@blogger.com